FIFA probe: Swiss authorities approve extradition of Venezuelan official
Rafael Esquivel is accused of receiving bribes worth millions of dollars in connection with the sale of marketing rights to the Copa America tournaments in 2007, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2023
Swiss judicial authorities have approved the extradition to the United States of Venezuelan football official Rafael Esquivel.
The extradition is part of a probe into corruption at football's world governing body, Fifa.
Esquivel is the former president of the Venezuelan Football Federation.
He was among seven arrested in May in Zurich ahead of Fifa's presidential election. A total of 14 have been indicted on US corruption charges.
Nine of them were Fifa officials and five corporate executives.
Esquivel is accused of receiving bribes worth millions of dollars in connection with the sale of marketing rights to the Copa America tournaments in 2007, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2023. He could face 20 years in prison if found guilty.
Esquivel, who is also a member of the executive committee of the South American Football Confederation, has 30 days to appeal against the extradition decision.
